Justice Yvonne Mokgoro was a great woman and eminent jurist who gave selflessly to the board and other bodies she served after retiring from the Constitutional Court, according to the Press Council of South Africa (PCSA).
Mokgoro died last week at the age of 73. She suffered multiple injuries in a serious car crash near Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, in April 2023.
Several setbacks in her recovery forced her to step away from public engagements.
Mokgoro’s partner charged
The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed that her partner has been charged in connection with the 2023 car crash in which she was injured.
Mokgoro was South Africa’s first black woman judge to sit on the Constitutional Court’s bench and served from 1994 to 2009.
The executive director of the press council, Latiefa Mobara, said they were privileged to have Mokgoro act as chair of the council’s appointments panel from 2013 until she was forced to withdraw after being injured in a car accident.
“She was instrumental in appointing all the senior staff and public representatives to the PCSA,” said Mobara.
“She was generous, charming, and considered in her advice and was highly regarded by all who met her. She will be sorely missed as a great South African.”
A giant tree has fallen
The deputy chairperson of the press council, Amina Frense, who served with Mokgoro on the appointments panel, said: “A giant tree has fallen.
“She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to freedom of expression and the ethical values espoused by the press council.
“We wish her family, her colleagues, and all of us who knew her strength as we mourn her passing.”
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa described Mokgoro as a formidable intellect and impeccable jurist who played a role in transforming the country’s legal system.
Ramaphosa said Mokgoro’s insight as a black female judge and academic helped shape the lives of thousands of people in their legal careers.
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Ramaphosa, parliament pay tribute to late justice Yvonne Mokgoro
